Edward I and Wales, 1254-1307

The late 13th century saw the conquest of Wales by Edward I, who mobilized the English state and church to defeat the native Welsh princes. This study will use previously untranslated archive material to reconsider the military and political events of the conquest and Edward's relationship with Welsh leaders. Edward was not truly the master of Wales until 1294, when he broke the power of the Marcher lords and crushed two further large-scale revolts. He enjoyed considerable support among the Welsh gentry class, who served him as diplomats and spies.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 18 June 2021
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
\n

The late 13th century marked a significant turning point in the history of Wales, as it witnessed the conquest of the region after two hundred years of conflict between Welsh princes and the English crown. The conquest began with the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the only native Prince of Wales to be formally acknowledged by an English king. Llywelyn's brother, Dafydd, continued the fight, but he was eventually captured and executed. This led to further revolts under the leadership of Rhys ap Maredudd and Madog ap Llywelyn, kinsmen of the defeated lords of Gwynedd.

The Welsh wars were a massive undertaking for the crown, requiring the mobilisation of all resources. Edward I's willingness to direct the combined power of the English state and church against the Prince of Wales to an unprecedented degree resulted in a victory that had eluded all of his predecessors. This latest study of the Welsh wars of Edward I will draw upon previously untranslated archive material, providing a fresh insight into military and political events.

Edward's personal relationship with Welsh leaders is also reconsidered. Traditionally, the conquest is dated to the fall of Llywelyn in December 1282. However, this book argues that Edward was not truly the master of Wales until 1294. Between these two dates, he broke the power of the great Marcher lords and crushed two further large-scale revolts against crown authority. After 1294, Edward was able to exploit Welsh manpower on a massive scale, and his successors followed the same policy during the Scottish wars and the Hundred Years War.

Edward enjoyed considerable support among the uchelwyr or Welsh gentry class, many of whom served him as diplomats and spies as well as military captains. This aspect of the king's complex relationship with the Welsh will also feature.

In conclusion, the late 13th century saw the conquest of Wales, marked by a long and complex history of conflict between Welsh princes and the English crown. Edward I's willingness to mobilise the English state and church against the Prince of Wales resulted in a decisive victory that had eluded his predecessors. This study will provide a fresh insight into the military and political events of the period, as well as reconsidering Edward's personal relationship with Welsh leaders.

\n Weight: 588g\n
Dimension: 184 x 241 x 30 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526776419\n \n